David Jones signs with Utah Blaze of the AFL

David Jones has signed a contract to play with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League (AFL).

This is the highest level of the indoor football leagues. Jones recently went to Salt Lake City for a tryout. He said he ran a 4.4 in the 40 yard dash.

The Red Jacket native, who played at both Matewan and Belfry High Schools, went on to play at the University of Kentucky. He helped Belfry to back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior seasons.

Jones will play cornerback for the Blaze.

Jones, who is living in Lexington, will head to training camp in February. The AFL season begins in March. The AFL has such teams as the Pittsburgh Power, the Philadelphia Soul, Chicago Rush, Orlando Predators and Arizona Rattlers.

The local football talent had a tryout in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. He also played for the arena indoor league team in Pikeville, Ky. before it folded.

Jones was in town Friday night to watch the Pirates beat Breathitt County.

…. In the Friday Night Spotlight Belfry’s Sani Warren rushed for 98 yards, scored three touchdowns, threw for 55 yards and a TD in the Pirate’s big regional championship win over Breathitt County. He also intercepted a pass on defense. Sophomore Austin Hatfield came in to rush for 166 yards on just 16 carries and a TD.

… Tickets for the West Virginia-Marshall men’s basketball game went on sale Friday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. at the Mountaineer Ticket Office. The game will be played Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Charleston Civic Center Coliseum.

A limited number of lower level seats behind the basket are available to 2012 Mountaineer Athletic Club donors for $42 each. Upper level seating is available to all fans for $32 per ticket. All tickets for the men’s game can be used for a general admission seat for the WVU-Marshall women’s game on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Tickets can only be purchased at the Mountaineer Ticket Office in the Coliseum or by calling 1-800-WVU GAME.

… The NCAA has ruled Marshall freshman point guard Kareem Canty ineligible for practice and competition this season after the University exhausted all its available appeals. He will be permitted to retain his full athletic scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year. Upon conclusion of the 2013 spring semester, he may rejoin the team in full capacity.

(Kyle Lovern is the sports editor for the Williamson Daily News. Comments or story ideas can be sent to klovern@williamsondailynews.com)